DUSHANBE, July 26, 2010, Asia-Plus -- Deputy Minister of Energy and Industries, Akram Sulaymonov, told reporters on July 23 that 16 small hydroelectric power plants (HPPs) wit a total capacity of 552 kW have been introduced into operation in Tajikistan since the beginning of this year.

According to him, these hydropower plants are dedicated to provide with electricity remote mountain villages.

Meanwhile, the source at the Ministry of Energy and Industries (MoEI) said that construction of 23 other small HPPs was under way in the country.

We will recall that by government’s decree of February 2, 2009 189 small HPPs are expected to be built in Tajikistan in 2009-2020 due to domestic and foreign investments.  30 small HPPs are expected to be introduced into operation this year and 30 others will be introduced into operation in 2011.